Spray foam technicians use compressor hoses to spray an expanding polyurethane foam material to insulate commercial and residential structures. The insulation can take place during or after a building’s construction. The technician must be somewhat physically fit, as the job sometimes requires spray foam insulation in tight or hard to reach areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces. In some instances, a spray foam technician may remove previous insulation materials before re-insulating with spray foam.

Technician Duties and Requirements

Whether self-employed or working for a company, a spray foam technician must have a valid driver’s license due to the amount of travel to work sites. Before starting work, the technician typically performs a consultation at the premise to determine the cost of a project and the length of time it will take to complete the job. Next, the technician gathers the needed equipment and performs a test to make sure it is working properly.The tech is expected to regularly service and maintain spray foam equipment and keep insulation materials properly stored at all times. This job also requires strict adherence to safety guidelines due to the overall potentially hazardous nature of working in a construction zone.

Training and Education Requirements

Though there are no formal education requirements for spray foam technicians, employers typically seek applicants with at least a high school education or GED. New technicians also undergo on-the-job training with an experienced spray foam technician for a certain amount of time determined by the employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects stiff competition for the wall insulation job market because many other construction workers will vie for the same position due to the few job entry criteria. However, the field as a whole is expected to grow by 38 percent between 2012 and 2022.